Can a 2004 Hyundai Elantra Carry a 200 Pound Dirt Bike on a Hitch Mounted Carrier

Question:

Will this hitch mount break off my 2004 Huyndai Elantra? The bike is a bit more than 200 pounds... Going to remove fuel and try to take some of the weight off and keep in passenger seat. Only need to go about 100 miles.

asked by: Not B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Trailer hitch # C11220 is a Class I designed for light duty applications. Probably the worst thing that can be done to it would be to exceed the tongue weight capacity. You have to consider that when driving the load can bounce up and down. When it comes down, like after hitting a bump, that tongue weight is going to spike. the higher the initial weight the higher that spike will be.

I am surprised you were able to find a carrier that worked in a Class I trailer hitch for this exact reason. Which brings up another issue: you also have to add in the weight of the carrier. So, the combined weight of the carrier and the bike cannot exceed 200 pounds.

I would expect some sort of damage to the hitch and/or vehicle with prolonged exposure to excessive tongue weight. So don't do it! I recommend using a small trailer instead, even if you have to rent one, it would be much better than the alternative.

expert reply by: Michael H